5630A - ALTERNATIVES TO CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

Board of Education policy defines corporal punishment as the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force used as means of discipline. Corporal punishment does not include reasonable force necessary to deal with an emergency situation. (See AG 5630B)

The following alternatives to the use of corporal punishment may be necessary when well-executed school and classroom management practices have not been effective. The principal has the authority to:

1. deny participation in special school and/or noncurricular-related activities;
2. assign to alternative center or program;
3. assign before or after school detention with twenty-four (24) hour notice to parents;
4. assign in-school restriction or in-school suspension;
5. assign out-of-school suspension;
6. confer with parents on sanctions which will be established both at school and at home or contractual agreements whereby the student commits to self-controlling behavior;
7. provide for a "time-out" area as a disciplinary procedure;
8. refer the student to a District counselor, a social worker, psychologist, and/or clinical specialists;
9. coordinate District services with social-service agencies such as Public Health, Social Services, Mental Health, etc., and/or with private institutions or agencies offering related appropriate services, providing there is no cost to the District;
10. arrange for a proper evaluation under Section 504 or IDEA, if there is reason to believe the student's behavior is related to a disability.

It is essential that any of the above alternatives that involve disciplinary actions be conducted in accordance with due process. (See Policy 5611)